This delicious no-flour oat cake combines the natural sweetness of bananas and apples with the wholesome goodness of oats and dried fruits. Perfect for health-conscious bakers, this nutritious cake proves that you don’t need refined flour or sugar to create something truly satisfying.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 85g (3/4 cup) rolled oats
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (approximately 300g/10.5 oz)
- 80ml (1/3 cup) hot water
- 1 medium banana (approximately 120g/4.2 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 50g (1/3 cup) raisins
- 50g (1/3 cup) dried cranberries
- 40g (1/3 cup) chopped walnuts
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). Grease a 20cm (8-inch) loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Creating the Oat Flour
Place the rolled oats in a blender or food processor and grind until they form a fine flour-like consistency. This homemade oat flour will serve as the base for your healthy cake.
Preparing the Apple Puree
Wash, core, and cut the apples into large cubes, leaving the skin on for extra nutrients. Place the apple pieces in a blender with the hot water and blend until you achieve a smooth puree. The hot water helps soften the apples for easier blending.
Mixing the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground oat flour with the apple puree. Mix well until fully incorporated. The apple puree adds natural moisture and sweetness to the cake.
Adding the Banana
Peel the banana and mash it with a fork until completely smooth. Add the mashed banana to the oat and apple mixture, stirring until well combined. The banana provides natural binding properties and additional sweetness.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Crack the eggs into the mixture and add the Greek yogurt or sour cream. Add the baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined batter.
Preparing the Dried Fruits
Rinse the raisins and dried cranberries with hot water to soften them slightly and remove any excess sugar coating. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels. Fold these into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
Final Assembly
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Chop the walnuts into small pieces and sprinkle them over the top of the batter. Drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the surface for a beautiful golden finish.
Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Cooling and Serving
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Approximate Nutritional Information per slice:
- Calories: 145-165
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 18g (all natural sugars)
This cake is rich in fiber, contains no refined sugars, and provides sustained energy from complex carbohydrates. The oats offer beta-glucan, which helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, while the fruits provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Variations and Substitutions
Fruit Variations
Replace the apple with pear for a different flavor profile, or use a combination of both. You can also substitute the banana with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce, though the binding properties may be slightly different.
Nut and Seed Options
Instead of walnuts, try chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans. For a nut-free version, substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. You can also add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for extra omega-3 fatty acids.
Dried Fruit Alternatives
Experiment with chopped dried apricots, dates, or figs instead of cranberries and raisins. Dried blueberries or cherries also work wonderfully in this recipe.
Spice Variations
Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile. A teaspoon of vanilla extract can also enhance the overall taste.
Dairy-Free Option
Replace the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or an additional mashed banana. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Vegan Modification
Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use plant-based yogurt instead of dairy yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this oat cake actually improves in flavor after a day or two. Store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Why do I need to rinse the dried fruits? Rinsing dried cranberries and raisins removes excess sugar coating and prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking. The hot water also helps rehydrate them slightly, making them more tender in the finished cake.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats? While rolled oats are preferred for better texture, you can use instant oats if that’s what you have available. The texture will be slightly different, and you may need to reduce the grinding time since instant oats are already more processed.
How do I know when the cake is done? The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when gently pressed. If the top is browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Can I add chocolate chips to this healthy cake? For a healthier option, try adding cacao nibs or a small amount of dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher). Keep portions moderate to maintain the cake’s healthy profile, using no more than 2-3 tablespoons.
This nutritious oat cake proves that healthy baking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. The combination of naturally sweet fruits, wholesome oats, and aromatic spices creates a satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a guilt-free dessert. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or simply enjoy it on its own with your favorite hot beverage.